How Trout Fishing Lures and Baits Work

Lures serve the purpose of imitating the trout's prey, but why imitate­ the prey when you can use the real thing? Live bait is a good alternative to lures if you want to use a more natural method, but it is possible to use both live bait and a lure at the same time. Regardless, beware the creepy crawly factor when fishing with live bait. It's not for the faint of heart.

If you are fishing for smaller trout, it makes sense to use smaller bait. Red wigglers, or composting worms, can be bought at a local bait and tackle shop. Since they are small, three or four dozen red wigglers may fit in one container. Another popular trout worm is the night crawler, which is larger than the red wiggler and is typically sold by the dozen. Night crawlers are longer in length, so you may want to cut them and use the smaller portions to cover the hook.

Another technique for using live bait is called chumming. Chumming is when you throw additional bait into the water, unattached to your hook and wait for the scent of the bait to attract the trout toward your line. However, chumming may not be legal in your state, so be sure to check the regulations before you become too chummy with chumming. [Source: Keyes]

Worms are not the only type of live bait used for fishing. Insects, minnows and fish eggs are popular live bait. Fish eggs can be used singularly, in tandem with a worm or grouped together as egg sacks. Read on to find how to use egg sacks while fishing for trout.

­

Eau de Parfum

Make sure that when you are attaching your live bait to the hook, your hands are free of any unnatural scents. This includes cigarette smoke, perfume or aftershave. Trout rely on their sense of smell to find their next meal, so if you don't want to fish in vain, make sure your hands are scent-free. [Source: Kugler]